Iced Cranberry Mint Green Tea

The weather reached well into the 80s this week in Pittsburgh. It certainly was not a good time for my central air conditioning to stop running. Especially considering it’s only two years old and we just made the last payment. In a desperate attempt to stay cool, I found solace in this refreshing beverage. I [...]

Red Sangria

The first time I had sangria was many years ago on New Year’s Day. A group of friends decided to go to a local tapas restaurant that was running a special brunch that day. We showed up in our pajamas to receive half-off sangrias and a gift card toward a future purchase. It was actually [...]

Cool Pesto Dipping Sauce with Toasted Pita

I long for the days when I can clip basil in my backyard. Thankfully the ground hog didn’t see his shadow this month. That means my desire for truly fresh herbs will be satisfied in the very near future. Until that time arrives, quality jarred pesto will have to serve as a suitable substitute. I [...]

Bacon & Blue Dip

One of the ways I make entertaining look effortless is to always serve an easy and simple appetizer. It helps to keep my guests focused and entertained while I put the finishing touches on the meal. Best of all, appetizers keep my guests out of the kitchen and away from view should a mistake bubble [...]

Gazpacho Mamor

While walking through my local farmer’s market, I noticed the most gorgeous vegetables I have seen in a long time. Baskets were brimming full of rich red tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, and peppers of all shapes and sizes. My most favorite part of all was the reasonable prices for fresh ingredients; sold to me by the [...]